You know that feeling of turning 40 but still seeing yourself as the 18-year-old kid you once were? Yeah, I’ve been there too. But every now and then, I get a reality check, especially when I see how my kids, Mia and Jake, are growing up in a world that’s so different from the one I knew. I often chuckle at those nostalgic lists about what kids from the ’70s can relate to, but Mia and Jake? They are all about the 21st century. Here’s how I know:
- They absolutely love chatting on the phone via speaker. FaceTiming is second nature for them. Just the other day, I was on a FaceTime call with someone older who still thought you needed to hold the phone to your ear! I’m caught somewhere in the middle of those two extremes. Remember the days of that long, twisty cord on the kitchen phone?
- Charging? They have a totally different approach. While I panic when my device hits 70%, they wait until it’s completely dead before thinking about plugging it in.
- YouTube is their go-to source for everything. Whether it’s music or videos, they dive right in, skipping over any other platform.
- Scented products? They can’t get enough. Mia is always spritzing herself with her favorite perfume. Me? I prefer to keep it unscented—less glamorous but a lot easier on the nose!
- Car seats are such a standard part of life now that cars come with built-in tethers for them. I remember the thrill of bouncing around in the “way back” of my family’s station wagon.
- They’ve never experienced the agony of waiting for a specific show to air at a certain time. If they want to watch something, it’s just a quick click away. And VCRs? They wouldn’t even know what that is!
- Mimeograph machines? Forget it! The smell of those purple pages takes me back, but for Mia and Jake, it’s all about logging onto Google Drive for their homework.
- Their ability to suspend disbelief while watching old movies is almost non-existent. For instance, when we watched The Princess Bride, Mia rolled her eyes at the “real” creatures on screen. I guess today’s special effects have set a new bar.
- Photography? It’s a whole different world for them. When we talked about using a disposable camera, Jake was baffled at the idea of only having a limited number of photos. To them, the concept of “film” is almost a myth!
- Phone numbers? They don’t know a single one. I can still recall the numbers from my childhood, but for Mia and Jake, everything is stored in their devices.
- Map reading is a lost art. My dad always said it was a crucial skill, but Mia and Jake just rely on GPS and assume we’ll get there with no problem.
If you’re a parent from the ’70s navigating life with a 21st-century kid, you might just find some familiarity in this journey. For more insights, check out this post on Intracervical Insemination or explore Make a Mom’s at-home insemination kit for more resources. And if you’re looking for expert advice on pregnancy and home insemination, WebMD offers an excellent guide.
Summary:
In this light-hearted exploration, Jamie reflects on the generational gap between her upbringing and that of her children, Mia and Jake. The differences are stark, from communication methods and entertainment habits to practical skills like map reading and photography. The post serves as a reminder of how much the world has evolved and offers a relatable take for parents navigating the new millennium with their kids.